Overview
The Belgium national football team, colloquially known as the Red Devils (Rode Duivels in Dutch, Diables Rouges in French), represents Belgium in men's international football. The team is controlled by the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), the governing body for football in Belgium, which was founded in 1895 [1]. As a member of UEFA, the European confederation, Belgium competes in various international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Championship, and the UEFA Nations League.
Governing body
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) oversees all aspects of football in Belgium, from grassroots to the senior national team. Headquartered in Brussels, the RBFA is responsible for organizing the national leagues, youth development, and the appointment of national team coaches. The association became a founding member of FIFA in 1904 [2] and UEFA in 1954 [3], playing a significant role in the development of international football.
Identity
The team's nickname, the Red Devils, was coined in 1906 by journalist Pierre Bilic, inspired by the team's red shirts and passionate style of play [4]. The national colours of red, yellow, and black are derived from the Belgian flag. Over the years, the team has cultivated an identity centered on technical proficiency, tactical discipline, and a strong collective spirit, particularly evident during their recent 'Golden Generation' era.
Style of play
Historically, Belgian football has been characterized by a blend of technical skill and physical resilience. During the 'Golden Generation' era of the 2010s, the team often employed a possession-based, attacking style, leveraging creative midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, supported by robust defenders and a clinical striker. This approach aimed to dominate possession, create intricate passing moves, and exploit the individual brilliance of its star players.
History
The Belgium national football team played its first official match on May 1, 1904, a 3-3 draw against France in Brussels [4]. Early successes included winning the gold medal at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, a significant achievement on home soil [5]. Belgium participated in the first three FIFA World Cups in 1930, 1934, and 1938, though they did not advance beyond the first round.
Post-War period and sporadic successes
Following World War II, Belgium experienced periods of intermittent qualification for major tournaments. They reached the World Cup finals in 1954 and 1970 but struggled to make an impact. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a resurgence, with Belgium reaching the final of the UEFA European Championship in 1980, eventually losing to West Germany [6]. This era also saw them qualify for the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.
1986 World Cup and decline
The 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico remains one of Belgium's most memorable tournaments. Led by stars like Jan Ceulemans and Enzo Scifo, the team reached the semi-finals, narrowly losing to eventual champions Argentina [7]. This marked their best-ever World Cup performance at the time. Successes continued into the early 1990s, with qualifications for the 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002 World Cups. However, a period of decline followed, with the team failing to qualify for major tournaments between 2002 and 2014.
The 'Golden Generation'
The 2010s ushered in the era of Belgium's 'Golden Generation,' a squad featuring world-class talent across all positions. Players such as Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, Vincent Kompany, and Axel Witsel propelled Belgium back to the forefront of international football. They qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals, and followed this with a quarter-final appearance at UEFA Euro 2016. Their peak came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where they secured a third-place finish, defeating England in the bronze medal match [8]. This period also saw them frequently occupy the top spot in the FIFA World Ranking [9].
Recent era
While the core of the 'Golden Generation' has aged, Belgium continues to be a strong contender. They reached the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021) and qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, though their performance in Qatar was below expectations. The team is currently undergoing a transitional phase, integrating new talent while relying on the experience of its remaining senior players.
Major honours
Despite consistently producing top-tier talent and achieving high FIFA rankings, the Belgium national football team has yet to secure a major international trophy in the senior men's game. Their most significant achievements include a gold medal at the Olympic Games and runner-up finishes in the UEFA European Championship.
FIFA tournaments
| Competition | Result | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | Third Place | 2018 [8] |
| FIFA World Cup | Fourth Place | 1986 [7] |
| Olympic Games | Gold Medal | 1920 [5] |
Continental tournaments
| Competition | Result | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA European Championship | Runners-up | 1980 [6] |
Notable players
Belgium has produced numerous world-class footballers throughout its history, with a particularly strong contingent emerging in the 21st century.
- Paul Van Himst: Often considered one of Belgium's greatest players, Van Himst was a prolific goalscorer and four-time Belgian Golden Shoe winner in the 1960s and 70s. He represented Anderlecht for most of his career [10].
- Jan Ceulemans: A powerful forward and captain during the successful 1980s era, Ceulemans was instrumental in Belgium's 1980 EURO final appearance and their 1986 World Cup semi-final run [11].
- Enzo Scifo: A gifted playmaker, Scifo was a key figure for Belgium in four World Cups (1986, 1990, 1994, 1998) [12]. His vision and passing range were central to the team's attacking play.
- Vincent Kompany: A commanding central defender and inspirational captain, Kompany led both Manchester City and the Red Devils during their 'Golden Generation' peak. His leadership and defensive prowess were crucial [13].
- Eden Hazard: An exceptionally talented winger and attacker, Hazard was the creative heartbeat of the 'Golden Generation,' known for his dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability. He earned the Silver Ball at the 2018 World Cup [14].
- Kevin De Bruyne: Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, De Bruyne's passing, vision, and long-range shooting make him a vital component of Belgium's attack. His influence on the game is consistently high [15].
- Romelu Lukaku: Belgium's all-time leading goal scorer, Lukaku is a powerful striker known for his finishing and physical presence. He has been a consistent source of goals for the national team [16].
- Thibaut Courtois: One of the premier goalkeepers in world football, Courtois has been a reliable presence between the sticks for Belgium for over a decade. His shot-stopping and dominance in the box have been critical [17].
World Cup record
Belgium has participated in 14 FIFA World Cup tournaments since its inception. Their most successful outing came in 2018, where they achieved a third-place finish, their highest ever. They also reached the semi-finals in 1986.
Belgium has consistently qualified for the World Cup since 2014, signaling their status as a global footballing power during the 'Golden Generation' era. As of May 2026, Belgium is expected to be a strong contender for qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the qualification campaign for UEFA nations underway.
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 1930 | Group Stage |
| 1934 | First Round |
| 1938 | First Round |
| 1950 | Did not enter |
| 1954 | Group Stage |
| 1958 | Did not qualify |
| 1962 | Did not qualify |
| 1966 | Did not qualify |
| 1970 | Group Stage |
| 1974 | Did not qualify |
| 1978 | Did not qualify |
| 1982 | Second Round |
| 1986 | Fourth Place [7] |
| 1990 | Round of 16 |
| 1994 | Round of 16 |
| 1998 | Group Stage |
| 2002 | Round of 16 |
| 2006 | Did not qualify |
| 2010 | Did not qualify |
| 2014 | Quarter-finals |
| 2018 | Third Place [8] |
| 2022 | Group Stage |
Current head coach
As of May 2026, the Belgium national football team is coached by Domenico Tedesco. Appointed in February 2023, Tedesco succeeded Roberto Martínez, who departed after the 2022 FIFA World Cup [18]. Tedesco, known for his tactical flexibility and emphasis on attacking football, previously managed clubs like Schalke 04, Spartak Moscow, and RB Leipzig.
His tenure began with a focus on rejuvenating the squad while maintaining a competitive edge. Tedesco has aimed to integrate younger talents with the remaining experienced players from the 'Golden Generation.' His tactical approach often involves a high pressing game and fluid attacking movements, seeking to maximize the offensive capabilities of players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. Key results under Tedesco include navigating the UEFA Euro 2024 qualification campaign successfully, securing Belgium's place in the tournament, and preparing the team for the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
How Belgium national football team ranks in world football today
As of April 2026, the Belgium national football team holds a strong position in the FIFA World Ranking, typically fluctuating within the top 5 [19]. This consistent high ranking reflects their continued competitiveness in international football, even as their 'Golden Generation' players approach the twilight of their careers.
Belgium are considered among the top-tier European nations, often compared to peers like France, England, and Portugal in terms of squad depth and tournament aspirations. They successfully qualified for UEFA Euro 2024 and are actively participating in the qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they are expected to secure a spot. While the pressure to win a major trophy remains, the team under Domenico Tedesco is focused on blending experience with emerging talent to maintain its status among the world's elite.
"We have a lot of quality, and it's a mix of experience and young players. We want to play attractive football and win games." – Domenico Tedesco, upon his appointment as head coach.